Pediatria pre prax 3/2016

Migration and public health in the Slovak Republic

In spite of the general impression that there exists a link between migration and import of infectious diseases, there is no such a straight link. Refugees and migrants are exposed to mainly infectious and non-infectious diseases which are commonly present in Europe, and that is regardless of movement of people. In most countries, medical examinations are being adjusted as to the land of origin of migrants. Mode of provision of health care is also determined by the number of migrants and economic capability of the receiving country. In the Slovak Republic, migrants undergo a screening or check-up dependent on the route taken and the country of origin. Scale of provided care is then determined by the medical condition of the migrant and reimbursement on the status of the migrant. In case of children who do not have vaccination card, a mandatory vaccination is carried out.

Keywords: migration, health condition, public health protection, vaccination